Numbers aside, inaugural Heat never this bad

One reader suggested they undergo a ceremonial group OssoTron treatment, like injured stars Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion recently endured. Another urged them to purge by blowing up their old building, the decrepit Miami Arena. Yet another said they should suit up, with old coach Ron Rothstein in an Afro wig on the sidelines.

So how will members of the inaugural Heat team celebrate if the current squad fails to win any of its four remaining games, and finishes with a franchise-worst 14 victories?

They won't.

"I would like our team to still have that distinction," said Grant Long, who played his first of 15 NBA seasons in 1988-89. "I really would. Honestly."

"Personally, I pray that these guys continue to win," said Billy Thompson, a veteran forward on that inaugural team who now serves as a Heat chaplain. "I encourage them. Hopefully, they pass our record."

Rather than break it.

"If I pray that they lose, what kind of pastor is that?" Thompson asked.

OK, so they're too gracious. Too kind. Long thinks a coach like Pat Riley is simply too good for such disgrace. Plus, the inaugural team likes being remembered, even for going 15-67.

That doesn't mean you must follow their admirable lead.

Don't root for the Heat the next four games. Root for history. Root for justice. Root for 14-68.

Root for this shameful season to become record-breaking, so it becomes as much a part of Shaquille O'Neal's legacy as his four championships. Some of you have been rooting against the Heat for a while, pining for ping-pong balls. This isn't about that. This is about a team being worthy of its title.

The 2007-08 team is more worthy of the "worst ever" title than the 2005-06 team was of an NBA title. It is certainly more worthy of such sorry status than that 1988-89 team which, by losing, simply and honorably did what expansion teams do. It was a collection of castoffs, journeymen and raw rookies, happy to be in the league.

"Our fans in Miami understood that we were very young, we were growing together, and they could see we were giving the effort every night," Long said.

This one?

Forget the past two months, when the Heat's Developmental League All-Stars have given their all. Think back to the lazier days of fall and winter, which were an extension of the slothful championship defense of 2006-07.

O'Neal, no matter how much he runs his mouth or runs the floor with the Suns, can't run from the fact that his toxic presence most caused the collapse, as he corrupted the culture with his disdain for effort and authority.

The Heat gave O'Neal just about everything. A parade upon entrance. Shooters to flank him, at least for three seasons. The contract extension the Lakers wouldn't offer. Patience with, and treatment for, assorted ailments. Spirited, even disingenuous defenses by Riley in the media. Then a golden parachute, so he could land comfortably in a basketball oasis in the desert, as the forsaken Heat dove toward the worst statistical season in its history.

Forget the statistics.

Eric Reid, who has called Heat games since the start, knows what he's seeing.

Worst in Heat history?

"Yes," the SunSports broadcaster said. "To me. Whether right at 15, or one more or one less, it has been the most difficult season in the history of franchise. There's nothing longer than an 82-game season that leads you nowhere."

Good moments have been scarce. Reid was impressed by the developmental players' effort. He was touched by the 20-year reunion of that 1988-89 team, when the eight returning members reminded him of an inaugural season that felt fresh and fun rather than frustrating.

Those players now hope the current players avoid infamy. Reid said it speaks to their high character and integrity.

Classy, for sure. But wrong. The wretched record fits better around the players that started this shameful season. It fits most snugly around the largest waistline, belonging to the guy finishing his season as a Phoenix Sun.

About the Heat: With four games remaining, the Heat needs another loss or a Seattle victory to officially secure the best chance at the No. 1 overall pick in the weighted draft lottery. Marcus Banks (hamstring), Udonis Haslem (ankle), Alexander Johnson (concussion), Shawn Marion (back), Alonzo Mourning (knee), Dwyane Wade (knee) and Dorell Wright (knee) are out.

About the Grizzlies: Memphis has the league's fourth-worst record, behind the Heat, Minnesota and Seattle. Memphis beat the Heat 101-94 in the teams' first meeting. The Grizzlies are 3-8 in Miami, where they last won on Dec. 10, 2002. Javaris Crittenton (thumb) is questionable.